This Eco-Chic + Natural Ayurvedic Skincare Line Is A Game-Changer

In December of 2015, I traveled to the beaches of Kerala, India to experience ashram life and learn more about Ayurveda. The purpose of my trip was to complete my graduate school thesis in clinical psychology, but I left with much more than data. I came back to the U.S.A. with a burning desire to learn more about Ayurvedic skincare and this ancient system of medicine.

And as fate would have it, I linked up with Leah Klatt and Trudy Collings, the creative female entrepreneurs behind Paavani Ayurveda who taught me all there was to know about this 5,000 year-old Vedic science.

Perhaps the best place to start is, what even is Ayurveda? The word, Ayurveda, translates to knowledge of life. It originated in India and is regarded as the traditional system of preventative and treatment-based medicine. In Ayurveda, each living being contains all of the elements and doshas. Doshas are the 3 energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity: Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. If you’re curious to know your dosha, take this quiz!

Natural beauty is undoubtedly the next big wave of holistic wellness. As consciousness rises, consumers will only grow increasingly mindful of what they put on their bodies. And that’s the ethos of Paavani Ayurveda — 100% earth-based products. In fact, Paavani means ‘purity’ in Sanskrit. Every product is vegan (with the exception of the vata cleanser) and preservative-free. And I can’t say that about too many products in my bathroom, can you? Plus, all glass packaging, eco-friendly labels, and mantra infused blends make Paavani the ultimate all-natural indie beauty brand. Beyond that, both Trudy and Leah are the real deal. In fact, this brand was born after they met during an herbalism apprenticeship during their studies at the California College of Ayurveda. And after getting to know them, I can truly attest that these knowledgeable women are an Ayurvedic force with which to be reckoned.

My Top Paavani Ayurveda Picks

Upon taking the quiz that revealed I am primarily vata (with my secondary dosha as pitta), I was then able to select the proper products to use for my skincare woes and daily routine. Vata skin is generally characterized by dryness and thinness. In order to properly care for it, the ideal products for me must be nurturing and hydrating to avoid pre-mature aging. Finally, there exists a skincare line that feels like it was made just for me. In the science of Ayurveda, the focus is on balance. Therefore, customization of your regimen and products is key. Our skin communicates with us and by paying attention to what it’s saying and using Ayurvedic principles, we can heal. Do I need moisture? Exfoliation? Tri-Doshic balancing? Listen and address what it’s revealing to you. Some days, you need a different product or TLC protocol. Not to mention, Paavani Ayurveda is reasonably priced! Individualized, all-natural skin products without top dollar prices…I’ll take it! Who doesn’t want that? Below are my 3 must-haves from this amazing all-natural line.

This 2-in-1 is every minimalist’s dream. A daily cleanser that doubles as a hydrating mask— where has this been all my life? Few products multi-task quite like this one. Plus this 3 oz. jar will last you for a long time, even with daily use. If you have dry skin and are looking for a gentle cleanser, or you want a killer all-natural face mask, then add this to your shopping list.

Filled with natural goodness like rhassoul clay, oat flour, ashwagandha, haritaki, licorice, and nutmeg, the majority of these ingredients are organic. In the morning and evenings, I mix a dollop with 1 tsp. of floral water and gently rub on my face before splashing it off with warm water. Then I pat dry and follow with the vata facial serum. Each Sunday night, I get my self-care on and make a hydrating mask. To do so, I only use 1 tbsp. of floral water and combine with the cleanser to create a thick golden paste. Then, I massage it onto my face and let the magic work.

Small bottle, big impact. This potent serum has become my new moisturizer. On days when my face feels really dry, I add a few drops of it to a thicker balm or floral water and it does the trick. This serum contains the most fabulous blend of jasmine infused unrefined sesame oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, argan oil, rosehip seed oil, and black cumin seed oil. These oils are anti-aging and have powerful antioxidants that combat fine lines and wrinkles. These oils are also incredibly nourishing and gentle, which is great for my skin that’s prone to dryness.

As far as essential oils go, this serum is a powerhouse (and worth the money!). Helichrysum, lavender, geranium, and roman chamomile give this oil an other-wordly, fairy-like scent. Plus, these oils are go-tos for mature, aging skin. If you’re looking to turn back time, reach for this serum. Bonus: It combines well with other moisturizers and oils.

Oh, magical floral water. For only $6, this is a steal. With 3 simple ingredients: deionized water, rose absolute, and lavender essential oil, this flower infused water adds some serious hydration to any Paavani product. For instance, I was traveling in Iceland last week and my skin seemed a bit dehydrated from air travel, hotel water, and jet-lag. So, I simply added 3 drops of floral water to my face balm and was able to ATV across the windy Icelandic countryside and beaches without losing too much moisture. What some don’t know is that oil-based skin products can help you retain moisture, but they don’t add actually moisturize since they don’t add water to the skin! In order to truly quench your skin, sometimes you must use a water-based product. And, this divine smelling and gentle floral water is a must have for any traveler or person looking to add some oomph to a skincare routine.

Leigh Winters, M.A./M.S., is a clinical researcher at Columbia University’s Spirituality Mind Body Institute and Columbia University Department of Psychiatry’s New York State Psychiatric Institute. She works in the Substance Use Research Center on opioid, cocaine, and alcohol treatment trials that involve motivational enhancement therapy, pharmacological facilitation of mindfulness training, mindfulness-based relapse prevention, and mind-body practices. Leigh is a certified aromatherapist and Ayurveda specialist. She is passionate about health and wellness and enjoys writing. Leigh holds dual master's degrees from Columbia University in Clinical Psychology & Neuroscience. Reach out to Leigh via leigh@wiseandwell.co or on Instagram @wiseandwellco.